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Tech-NOTORIOUS!

November 9, 2009

Sitting at home for two days this week, helping my children heal from their colds, I found myself thinking about productivity…or the lack there of it (for me)!!

Especially for those of us who have children, or care for a sick or aging relative, it seems difficult at times to be consistent about reaching our goals and being as productive as we set out to be. Our perfectly planned days are thrown for a loop, and we (and those around us) must just deal with it. Energetically speaking, when this happens, we tend to work from our lower levels of energy (victimhood and conflict), because we feel at the effect of life.

These days, flexibility and adaptability are skills we all can maximize to help us manage the constant change we live with. The more I thought of it, the more excited I became in finding some solutions to help me manage my life in spite of my life!

So how could I be more flexible and adaptable? My mind immediately jumped to my “Wheel of Life” that I use to measure my satisfaction with certain areas of my life. Some of these include: Productivity, Creativity & Problem Solving, Influencing & Inspiring Others, Health & Wellness, Time Management & Balance, Family & Parenting, Spiritual Awareness, and Fun & Enjoyment. I questioned further, what could I do when life says, “Not today, Monique! Change your plans!” How could I keep my life in motion without too much stopping and re-directing?

Then, a light bulb went off! “iPhone applications”, my mind told me! Sure, I’ve experimented with some fun applications, but what would happen if I—with intention—search for applications that are free or inexpensive which can help me work with my Wheel of Life, despite “life”?

The fun began! I was like a kid in a candy shop. I’m not quite finished yet, but here’s the beginning of a “techie” system to help me stay on track. I downloaded and/or purchased the following “apps” which correspond to one or more areas in my Wheel of Life:

Application

Wheel of Life Area

Intended Uses

Lock Box

Productivity

I finally have a place for all my passwords, especially for use out of the office.

Toodledo

Productivity/Time Management

For those of us who use the GTD (Getting Things Done method). Great for managing projects.

I’ve created my very own affirmation slideshow with music. Keeps my vision close to me.

Ask

Inspiring Others /Spirituality

My daily dose of spiritual principals for myself and to inspire others.

MyDiary

Creativity & Problem Solving

The journal that I will use to summarize my day’s “aha” moments.

IdeaOrganizer

Creativity & Problem Solving

I live off of ideas! Here’s where I can track them all, with voice notes, photos, etc.!

Personal Assistant

Productivity & (Financial) Balance

Keeps my accounts up-to-date and at my finger tips, all in one place.

SixPackYoga

Health & Wellness

Need I say more?? Yoga for my abs, anytime, anywhere, and for as long as I’d like!

YogaStretch

Health & Wellness

Customized yoga programs with an instructor, music, and all!

NaturalCures

Health & Wellness/Parenting

A quick resource for at home and natural remedies.

Ideally, I’d be doing yoga at a studio, speaking to my health coach or doctor every time I had a health question, carry my journal with me wherever I go (as well as my project folders, grocery lists, daily planner, spiritual resources, affirmation index cards, vision boards, etc.). What a heavy bag that would be!! You get my drift, right? My iPhone is always with me, so I might as well take full advantage of it and make sure it supports my needs to help keep my Wheel of Life on its path.

I’ve just lightened my load tremendously, and given myself permission to be more flexible and adaptable (and more productive!). Essentially, I’ve made myself Tech-NOTORIOUS!

I would love to hear your ideas about using technology (or not!) to help you achieve your goals. What works for you that you can share with Being En Pointe readers? I hope you will share and experiment.